The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.